Silk Way West takes delivery of first 777 freighter
03 / 10 / 2023
Silk Way West Airlines' first Boeing 777F. Photo: Boeing
Silk Way West Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter as part of its plan to modernise its fleet and increase its capacity.
The freighter is the first of an order for five production 777Fs made by the cargo airline in April 2021. The following four aircraft are due to be delivered gradually until 2027.
The 777F arrived at Silk Way’s Baku-based hub airport, Heydar Aliyev International today (October 3).
Until now, the airline has operated with Boeing 747F aircraft. At present, it operates five 747-8Fs and seven 747-400Fs.
“Delivery of this aircraft marks a defining moment in our strategic plan to make Silk Way West Airlines greener, more fuel efficient, and better positioned for growth from conception to reality,” said Fadi Nahas, vice president of Silk Way West Airlines, Americas.
“This expansion of the fleet will open up opportunities for Silk Way West Airlines to boost the volume of flights and extend our reach to additional strategic destinations, reflecting the growing importance of our home base of Baku as a regional and global transportation hub.”
“With the global air cargo fleet expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years, the unmatched efficiency of the 777 Freighter will boost Silk Way West’s capabilities and allow them to further scale their world-class cargo operations,” said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president Sales, Eurasia. “We are honoured to strengthen our partnership as Silk Way West continues to build its freighter fleet.”
The B777F offers a capacity of around 100 tonnes and a range of 9,200 km. Boeing said 319 777Fs have been ordered since the freighter model was introduced in 2005.
Silk Way West has also made several other freighter investments. In June 2022 it signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for two newbuild A350Fs.
And in December 2022 the carrier finalised an order with Boeing for two 777-8Fs, with options for two additional aircraft of the same type.
